Monday, February 07, 2011

Knock Knock

Doors tell a lot.
There have been many artists that have done their whole portfolio based on doors.

Doors tell you if there is something behind them that is worth blocking or guarding.

They tell you of how old they are and how many time they may have been knocked down.

Some doors are massive like these.

Others are tiny, big enough for only a body to walk through, sometime sideways and hunched down a little.

These doors have been around for quite a few years.
They make a statement.
They tell a story.
They offer a mystery.
These doors appear that they were only used for people.
Lots of people, I don't think horses came through these portals, but you never know.

The thickness of the wood, the craftsmanship would cost a pretty penny now. Or rather peso.

The wood is at least 4 to 5 inches thick, and that's at the thinnest part. There are many doors like this around Mexico.
Some held in the families of Haciendas of the past.

This door has been around many generations of owners. One of my favorite things to photograph are doors and doorways.
I figured you might enjoy seeing this massive piece of handcraft.....

The newer version on the left just doesn't have any history to it in comparison..............

8 comments:

Dan in NC said...

Tancho,
Loved the door, & am of a similar mind regarding the artistic nature of household portals. I actually spent 3 days going around Marion Square in Dublin just to capture the doors in various lighting scenarios. Olde doors facades, like olde people's skin, often show the impact of "just being" and gain character from the weather they have kept out of the inside! Lovely photo, and would love to see more!
Cheers!
Dan in NC

Steve Cotton said...

Great photograph. I have thought of doing a series of posts on doors. Then I get distracted. For instance, by this week's trip to Morelia. But maybe I can start the series there.

Brenda Maas said...

I love old doors also and the door knockers. Very interesting.

Tancho said...

Dan, Great to know that I am not the only one that enjoys looking at old weathered history. I have been taking pictures of doors ever since I bought my first artwork of doors in Santa Fe over 30 years ago.

Thanks Steve, I was thinking of doing the same thing, but need a kick in the butt to motivate me, but if you want to do one, we can collaborate and do a joint project as long as you do the majority of the work....jeje.

Brenda, we don't see to many knockers around very much, most of them appear to have been vandalized or simply fell of or got broken....

Don Cuevas said...

My door is a handyman's delight.
http://tinyurl.com/6chvhmv

I'm guessing your first door pic is on Calle San Juan de Dios in Pátzcuaro.

Saludos,
Don Cuevas

Tancho said...

Your door Sr.Cuevas appears to be no longer a door... For a door is something that at least has the appearance of holding back unwanted visitors. Indeed it is a project for a handyman or better yet a magician.
Sorry, you are not close, as to the location of the fortress. Try Tzintzuntzán, as to the location of the massive gate.

Jerry L said...

Now that is a nice big door designed to keep any door to door salesman out.

Michael Dickson said...

I share your fondness for doors. I often pass through them.